St. Scholastica's Academy of Marikina
St. Scholastica's Academy Marikina, also referred to by its acronym SSAM or colloquially, St. Scho Marikina is a private Catholic basic education institution for girls run by the Congregation of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing in Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It was founded by the Benedictine Sisters in 1961 in response to the appeal of the alumnae of St. Scholastica's College Manila who were then residing in Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, San Mateo, and other neighbouring communities, for a Benedictine run Catholic school where their children could also go and experience the St. Scholastica brand of education.
Akademya ng Santa Eskolastika ng Marikina | |
 Called to be One in Excellence and in Service | |
| Motto | Ora et Labora (Latin) |
|---|---|
Motto in English | Prayer and Work |
| Type | Private Catholic Non-profit All-girls Basic education institution |
| Established | June 5, 1961 |
| Founder | Congregation of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing |
Religious affiliation | Roman Catholic (Benedictine Sisters) |
Academic affiliations | PAASCU, ABS, CEAP, DACSA, PCPGE MARIPRISA |
| Director | Sr. Josephina Nepumoceno, OSB |
| Location | 2 West Drive Marikina Hgts, Marikina City , , |
| Publication |
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| Patron Saints | |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Nickname | Scholastican |
| Website | ssam |
History
The birth of St. Scholastica' Academy of Marikina happened when the Benedictine Sisters agreed to open a Benedictine school in Marikina and bought a piece of land at Marikina Heights Subdivision. The owner of Marikina Heights Subdivision, Mr. Jose Tuason, Sr. offered a lot to the Benedictine Sisters at a very low price. The persons who were given a direct hand in overseeing the construction were Mother Silvana, OSB, Sub-Prioress of the Congregation of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing in the Philippines, Architect Imelda Borromeo Cancio and Project and Structural Engineer Ben Abastillas. Construction of the first phase of the physical plant followed immediately. The current Tuason Center inside the campus is named after Mr. Jose Tuason, Sr.
Sister Eleonora Engelbrecht, OSB, Superior, together with Sister Irmengardis Kuhn, OSB, Sister Joaquina Santos, OSB and Sister Andrea Yllana, OSB opened classes on June 5, 1961 with only 62 pupils including young boys. Cardinal Rufino J. Santos and Cardinal Bishop Antiporda blessed the campus on August 15, 1961. Guests were Ambassador Von Fuerstenberg of Germany, Dr. Winternitz, representative of the Austrian embassy and the priests and religious, alumnae, students and friends.
Until 1985, the school offered kindergarten which also admitted boys.
Benedictine motto
The Benedictine motto is Ora et Labora, meaning prayer and work, which was originally from St. Benedict.
Academics
SSAM is PAASCU-accredited and is also one of the best academic institutions in the city of Marikina.
Affiliations
It is a member of the Association of Benedictine Schools (ABS), the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), the Diocese of Antipolo Catholic Schools Association (DACSA), the Philippine Council for Peace and Global Education (PCPGE) and the Marikina Private Schools Association (MARIPRISA).
Famous/notable alumnae
- Amy Perez (actress)
- Rhea Santos (GMA reporter)
- Agot Isidro-Sandejas (actress, singer)
- Erika Padilla (ABS-CBN Star Magic Batch 16)
- Sarah Gaugler (Tattoo artist; vocalist of band Turbo Goth)
- Bing Loyzaga (actress)
- Coney Reyes (actress)